30% Glass Fiber Reinforced PEI Sheets (GF30)
We supply continuously extruded 30% Glass Fiber Reinforced PEI Sheets & Plates (PEI GF30) . Combining an extreme flexural modulus of 9,000 MPa (9 GPa) with a Tgof 217°C and an HDT of 210°C, this glass-filled stock shape delivers exceptional dimensional stability and metal-matched low thermal expansion ((2.0 × 10⁻⁵/K)). Fully stress-relieved for warpage-free CNC milling of structural brackets, IC test fixtures, and high-voltage insulators. Custom color-matching available. Share your dimensions for a fast quote.
Product information
Published information supports preliminary product selection. Confirm the exact grade, dimensions, tolerances, documentation and application suitability with the quotation for your order.
Description
30% Glass Fiber Reinforced PEI Sheets & Plates (PEI GF30) represent the ultimate high-rigidity stock shape for structural CNC machining. By compounding premium PEI resin with 30% short glass fibers, this grade increases mechanical flexural modulus by nearly 300% over virgin PEI, offering structural rigidity comparable to aluminum alloy at 50% lighter weight.
Featuring a glass transition temperature (𝑇𝑔) of 217°C, a Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) of 210°C, and a Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE) matched to metals (2.0 × 10⁻⁵/K), PEI GF30 maintains tight machining tolerances under continuous thermal and mechanical stress. Inherent UL94 V-0 flame safety, high dielectric strength, and wave transparency make it the premier choice for aerospace structural brackets, IC test sockets, transformer bobbins, and medical equipment frames.
Performance Comparison: PEI GF30 vs. Virgin PEI vs. PEEK GF30
| Performance Metric | Virgin Unfilled PEI Sheet | PEI GF30 Sheet (Ultem 2300 Eq.) | PEEK GF30 Sheet |
| Flexural Modulus (Rigidity) | 3,300 MPa (3.3 GPa) | 9,000 MPa (9.0 GPa – Extreme) | 9,500 MPa |
| Tensile Strength at Yield | 105 MPa | 145 MPa (+40% Boost) | 160 MPa |
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | 200°C | 210°C | 315°C |
| Thermal Expansion (CLTE) | 5.0 × 10⁻⁵/K | 2.0 × 10⁻⁵/K (Metal-Matched) | 2.2 × 10⁻⁵/K |
| Electrical Insulation & Wave | High Insulator / Wave-Transparent | High Insulator / Wave-Transparent | High Insulator / Wave-Transparent |
How this product is normally specified
This product is supplied as extruded GF30 PEI boards and pre-cut plates for CNC milling:
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Dimensions: Thickness (1–150 mm), width (up to 1250 mm), or custom pre-cut CNC blanks
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Glass Fiber Content: 30% short glass fiber reinforced structural grade
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Stress Relief: Multi-stage annealed to eliminate internal stress cracking and warpage during CNC milling
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Color & Cosmetics: Custom color-matching (RAL/Pantone), Natural, or Black
Where this material can fit
Typical applications for 30% glass fiber reinforced PEI sheets include:
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Semiconductor & IC Testing: IC test sockets, chip burn-in fixtures, wafer handling tools, and probe cards
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Aerospace & Defense: Structural brackets, high-stiffness avionics housings, and radome internal mounts
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Electronics & Power Systems: High-voltage terminal blocks, transformer bobbins, PCB clamps, and coil formers
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Medical & Laboratory Equipment: Structural equipment frames, autoclavable instrument trays, and fluidic blocks
What to confirm before ordering
To recommend the right PEI GF30 sheet specification, please confirm:
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Target thickness (mm), sheet width/length, and piece quantity
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Custom color matching requirement (if applicable) or standard Natural/Black
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CNC machining operations (confirming deep pocket milling or heavy stock removal)
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Required trial quantity and estimated annual commercial demand
Send us the information you have. We will review technical details before confirming the quotation.
Material overview
Understanding PEI (Polyetherimide)
Why engineers use it
- Good heat resistance and stiffness for structural and electrical parts.
- Stable dimensions and predictable processing in suitable equipment.
- Inherent flame, smoke and electrical performance for many technical applications.
- Available in natural amber and opaque or reinforced grades.
- Can be molded, machined or printed where the appropriate material form is available.
Limits to consider
- Some chemicals and stress-cracking agents require careful compatibility review.
- Moisture control before high-temperature processing is important.
- Continuous chemical or wear duty may favor PEEK or PPS.
- Reinforced grades change impact, surface and directional properties.
- Regulated uses require the correct documented grade, not a generic PEI designation.
Grades and product forms
Unfilled PEI emphasizes the base material’s thermal, electrical and dimensional balance. Glass-fiber grades improve stiffness and movement control but change toughness and surface finish. Medical, aerospace or food-contact projects must identify the exact documentation requirement before grade selection.
Performance points to review
| Evaluation area | Why it matters | Information to provide |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature behavior | Useful performance under elevated or changing temperature | Continuous and peak temperature, cycle length and time at load |
| Mechanical response | Strength and stiffness must match the real part geometry | Load direction, stress level, impact and fatigue expectations |
| Environmental resistance | Fluids, cleaning agents and atmosphere can change service life | Chemical name, concentration, temperature and exposure time |
| Dimensional control | Tight-tolerance parts depend on both material and processing | Finished dimensions, tolerances and assembly conditions |
| Electrical or insulation needs | Electrical requirements may influence grade and thickness | Voltage, dielectric, conductivity or insulation target |
These are engineering discussion points, not guaranteed property values. Final acceptance criteria should be agreed for the selected grade, process and order.
Typical application directions
These examples show where the material may be evaluated. They do not replace a suitability review for the finished component.
Fabrication and processing preparation
Share the finished part drawing as well as the requested rod diameter and length. This makes it possible to discuss machining allowance, tolerance, cut length, quantity and whether a closer starting size could reduce waste.
Where the application is critical, define what a successful trial looks like before material is ordered: dimensions after processing, visual condition, mechanical response, assembly fit or another measurable result.
When another material may be better
PEEK may provide a larger performance margin in more severe heat or chemical service, while lower-cost engineering plastics may be sufficient for moderate conditions. PEI is often chosen when its specific balance of thermal, electrical and structural properties fits the part.
We recommend sharing the current material and the reason it is being reconsidered. Cost, processability, supply form and inspection burden belong in the decision alongside technical performance.
Information needed for an accurate quotation
A useful RFQ reduces follow-up questions and helps us distinguish between a material request and a finished-part requirement.
| Product form | Raw material, stock shape, semi-finished blank or completed part |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Nominal size, finished size and tolerances |
| Quantity | Trial quantity, first order and estimated annual demand |
| Application | Part function and current material, if any |
| Operating temperature | Continuous range, peak temperature and cycle duration |
| Environment | Chemicals, gases, moisture, pressure, vacuum or outdoor exposure |
| Mechanical duty | Load, speed, impact, wear and mating components |
| Documentation | Drawing revision, inspection, traceability or compliance needs |
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a sample or trial quantity?
Trial quantities can be discussed according to product form and availability. Tell us what you need to prove during the trial, the intended process and the expected production quantity if the test succeeds.
Do you provide a data sheet or material documentation?
Available documentation depends on the selected material and supply route. List the documents required by engineering, purchasing or quality when you inquire so they can be checked before quotation.
Can the grade be selected from a product name alone?
No. Similar product names can cover different grades, colors, fillers and processes. Selection should be based on the finished application, environment and required property balance.
Can you supply custom dimensions or finished parts?
Custom sizes, blanks or finished parts can be reviewed where appropriate. A drawing with tolerances, quantity and material requirement is the best basis for quotation.
How should we evaluate an alternative to our current material?
Share the current grade, the part’s service conditions and the reason for changing it. A useful comparison looks at failure mode, processing, life, inspection and total project cost—not only a single property value.
What determines lead time?
Lead time depends on product form, grade, size, quantity, documentation, machining and current availability. Confirm the required delivery date and destination with the RFQ rather than assuming a standard schedule.
Send the drawing, application and quantity. We will use the project details to prepare a practical material and supply discussion.
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